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Terminal tackle · Rolling swivels · Our take
Gardner Tackle Covert Rolling Swivels
Size 8 and Size 12
Strong, smooth and properly versatile, Gardner’s Covert Rolling Swivels cover everything from lead-clip setups to neat little finesse rigs without making a meal of the terminal end.
- Available in Size 8 and Size 12, with 20 swivels per packet.
- Size 8 is designed for secure use with Covert Lead Clips and lead discharge setups.
- Size 12 is the finer Mini Rig Swivel option for lighter or finesse applications.
- Both sizes feature a matte-black, anti-glare finish and smooth-spinning construction.
Make sure it’s the right one. This review covers the Gardner Tackle Covert Rolling Swivels in both available sizes: Size 8 and Size 12.
Tackle Index Score
Tackle Index score
A proper, dependable pair of rolling swivels with clear roles for lead-clip and finesse work.
- Product Quality9.2/10
- Performance9.1/10
- Impact on Fish Catching8.8/10
- Ease of Use9.4/10
- Value for Money9.2/10
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Who it suits
Is it right for you?
Great for
- Carp anglers using lead-clip rigs. Size 8 is designed to sit securely in Covert Lead Clips and support a proper lead-discharge setup.
- Anglers tying neat, low-visibility or finesse rigs. The matte-black finish keeps things subtle, while Size 12 gives you a smaller option for delicate presentations.
Maybe skip if
- Anglers who only use very basic fixed rigs. You may not get much benefit from the different sizes and component compatibility.
- Anyone wanting one swivel size for every job. Size 8 and Size 12 have different roles, so choosing correctly matters.
The lowdown
Introducing the Gardner Tackle Covert Rolling Swivels
Strong, smooth and properly versatile, Gardner’s Covert Rolling Swivels cover everything from lead-clip setups to neat little finesse rigs without making a meal of the terminal end.
- Available in Size 8 and Size 12, with 20 swivels per packet.
- Size 8 is designed for secure use with Covert Lead Clips and lead discharge setups.
- Size 12 is the finer Mini Rig Swivel option for lighter or finesse applications.
- Both sizes feature a matte-black, anti-glare finish and smooth-spinning construction.
Quick verdict
Small swivels, sorted properly
The Covert Rolling Swivels are a cracking bit of terminal tackle for anglers who want dependable rotation, tidy rigs and a low-key finish. Size 8 is the proper lead-clip option, while Size 12 gives you a smaller, finer choice for delicate presentations.
They’re not flashy, and that’s exactly the point. With 20 in a packet, strong construction and compatibility with a good spread of Covert components, they’re easy to keep in the box and reach for whenever a rig needs a reliable connection.
A proper, dependable pair of rolling swivels with clear roles for lead-clip and finesse work.
- Product Quality
- 9.2/10
- Performance
- 9.1/10
- Impact on Fish Catching
- 8.8/10
- Ease of Use
- 9.4/10
- Value for Money
- 9.2/10
Extra-strong construction, smooth spinning and round eyes aimed at maximum knot strength make these reassuring terminal components.
The swivels are designed to rotate smoothly and work cleanly with compatible clips, links and rig components.
They won’t catch fish by themselves, but the correct size, discreet finish and reliable rig movement can help your presentation fish properly.
The two sizes have clear jobs, and the Covert compatibility makes them straightforward to build into suitable setups.
With 20 swivels per packet and modest listed maker RRPs, they offer strong value for a small but important piece of terminal tackle.
Head to head
How it stacks up
Side by side with the closest kit we've reviewed. This updates as we add more reviews.
Gardner Tackle
Gardner Tackle Covert Rolling Swivels (this one)
Top scorer
Top scorer
Top scorer
Scores are our own, out of 10. Best in each row is in green. Prices change, so check the latest before you buy.
The full rundown
Everything you'll want to know about the Gardner Tackle Covert Rolling Swivels
Swivels aren’t usually the glamorous bit of a carp rig. Nobody gets the kettle on and starts chatting excitedly about a tiny lump of metal. But get one wrong and your lovely presentation can be a bit naff before it’s even hit the deck. Gardner’s Covert Rolling Swivels are made to handle that quiet, important job without any fuss.
There are two sizes in the range: Size 8 and Size 12. That’s useful because they’re not just the same swivel in two random flavours. Size 8 is the one aimed squarely at lead-clip work, while Size 12 is the finer Mini Rig Swivel option for lighter, more delicate or finesse applications.
For standard carp fishing, Size 8 is the obvious starting point. It’s designed to fit securely into Covert Lead Clips and allows the lead to discharge before the swivel releases. That’s the sort of detail you want sorted before you’re clipped up, cast out and watching the water for signs of a bite-time.
The lead-discharge point matters because a lead clip needs to do its job properly. You want the lead held securely during the cast and presentation, but able to come away when the situation calls for it. With the right clip and tubing arrangement, the Size 8 swivel forms part of that tidy, dependable system rather than becoming an awkward bit of terminal tackle you’re trying to force into place.
Size 12 takes things down a notch. It’s the finer Mini Rig Swivel, so it makes more sense when you’re tying a lighter presentation or trying to keep the business end neat and discreet. That could be handy over pressured fish, in clear water or whenever a bulky swivel looks a bit out of place beside a small hook and subtle bait.
Both sizes have Gardner’s anti-glare matte-black finish. It’s a simple feature, but a sensible one. Shiny terminal tackle can look a bit bright underwater, especially over clean spots or in shallow margins. The darker finish helps reduce visibility and glare, keeping the swivel from shouting, ‘Oi, carp, look here!’
The swivels are also extra strong and smooth spinning. Smooth rotation helps prevent unwanted twist and lets the rig components move as intended. That’s particularly useful when you’re using a presentation where the hook needs to turn or the rig needs to settle naturally. The round swivel eyes are designed for maximum knot strength too, so there’s no need to overcomplicate the connection.
They’re compatible with Covert Easi Clips, Speed Links and Q-Rings, which makes them easy to slot into a wider Gardner terminal setup. Each packet contains 20 swivels, giving you plenty for a handful of rigs and a few cheeky replacements. Gardner’s listed maker RRP is £3.30 for Size 8 and £2.99 for Size 12, so they sit in a sensible, affordable part of the terminal-tackle box.
The main thing is choosing the right size before you start tying. Size 8 is the proper lead-clip choice. Size 12 is the finesse option. Get that bit right and these are the kind of components you can keep in your box, forget about until needed, then trust to do their job when the rods are off and a lump is making a bid for the far margin.
Specifications
The nuts and bolts
- Available sizes
- Size 8 and Size 12
- Packet quantity
- 20 swivels
- Finish
- Anti-glare matte black
- Size 8 use
- Designed to fit securely into Covert Lead Clips and allow lead discharge before the swivel releases
- Size 12 use
- Finer Mini Rig Swivel for lighter, more delicate or finesse applications
- Compatibility
- Covert Easi Clips, Speed Links and Q-Rings
Specs checked with Gardner Tackle, Oct 2026.
Spot a model or spec change?
Our take
Why these swivels matter on the bank
A swivel might look like a tiny, boring component, but it has a proper job to do. It needs to turn smoothly, sit neatly in the rig and cope with the pressure of a carp doing its best to empty your spool. The Covert Rolling Swivels are built around that simple brief.
The choice between Size 8 and Size 12 is useful rather than gimmicky. Size 8 is designed to fit securely into Covert Lead Clips and allows the lead to discharge before the swivel releases. Size 12 is the finer Mini Rig Swivel option, better suited to lighter and more delicate presentations.
A closer look
What you’re buying
The Covert Rolling Swivels are available in Size 8 and Size 12, with 20 swivels in each packet. Both use a matte-black anti-glare finish, extra-strong construction and smooth-spinning internals. The round eyes are designed to support maximum knot strength, keeping the connection tidy and dependable.
Size 8 is the lead-clip model. It’s designed to fit securely into Covert Lead Clips and allows the lead to discharge before the swivel releases. Size 12 is the finer Mini Rig Swivel, aimed at lighter, more delicate and finesse-style applications. Both sizes also work with Covert Easi Clips, Speed Links and Q-Rings.
Worth knowing. Don’t pick the size purely because smaller sounds neater. For a Covert Lead Clip setup, Size 8 is the one designed for the job. Save Size 12 for finer rig work where its smaller format makes more sense.
On the bank
Who it suits
Size 8 makes sense for carp anglers running conventional lead-clip rigs, especially where lead discharge is part of the setup. It’s also a useful general-purpose option when you’re building rigs around Covert clips, links and Q-Rings.
Size 12 is better for anglers who enjoy tuning the terminal end. Think neat Mini Rigs, lighter presentations and situations where you want the swivel to sit quietly alongside a smaller hook and bait. It’s a handy option for pressured venues, clear water and careful margin work.
They’re less useful if your fishing is very simple and you rarely change rigs. In that case, a packet of 20 may last ages, which isn’t a bad thing, but you won’t necessarily use the different sizes to their full potential.
Quick answers
FAQs in full
Can you use Size 12 in a Covert Lead Clip? Size 8 is the intended choice for Covert Lead Clips, as it’s designed to fit securely and allow the lead to discharge before the swivel releases. Size 12 is the finer Mini Rig Swivel option.
Are these swivels suitable for low-visibility rigs? Yes. The anti-glare matte-black finish reduces underwater visibility and glare, helping the terminal end blend in more discreetly than a bright, shiny component.
Are they good value? The listed maker RRP is £3.30 for Size 8 and £2.99 for Size 12, with 20 swivels per packet. That’s a sensible price bracket for a useful, specialist terminal component.
On paper
Pros & cons
What we like
- Two useful sizes cover standard lead-clip work and finer rig applications.
- Size 8 is designed to work properly with Covert Lead Clips and lead-release setups.
- Smooth spinning helps reduce twist and keeps rigs moving naturally.
- Matte-black finish keeps the terminal end subtle underwater.
- Compatible with Covert Easi Clips, Speed Links and Q-Rings.
Worth knowing
- You need to pick the right size; Size 12 isn’t the direct substitute for the Size 8 lead-clip option.
- A packet of 20 can disappear quickly if you’re constantly tying fresh rigs or changing setups.
- They’re specialist terminal components, so anglers with very simple rigs may not use every feature.
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Your questions answered
What anglers want to know
The stuff you’d ask your mate on the next peg. Straight answers, no waffle.
01Which size should I use with a Covert Lead Clip?
Which size should I use with a Covert Lead Clip?
Go for Size 8. It’s designed to fit securely into Covert Lead Clips and allows the lead to discharge before the swivel releases.
02What are the Size 12 Covert Rolling Swivels for?
What are the Size 12 Covert Rolling Swivels for?
Size 12 is the finer Mini Rig Swivel option. It suits lighter, more delicate and finesse applications where a smaller terminal component is preferable.
03How many swivels do you get in a packet?
How many swivels do you get in a packet?
Each packet contains 20 swivels. That gives you a decent stash for tying fresh rigs, replacing damaged components or sorting a few rods before a session.
What anglers say
The word from the bank
Our read: small swivels, sorted properly. The strongest reasons to choose it are two useful sizes cover standard lead-clip work and finer rig applications. and size 8 is designed to work properly with covert lead clips and lead-release setups.; the main trade-off is you need to pick the right size; size 12 isn’t the direct substitute for the size 8 lead-clip option..
Our take on the feedback
Why it appeals
Checked Sept '26 — “Two useful sizes cover standard lead-clip work and finer rig applications.”
Best fit
Checked Sept '26 — “Carp anglers using lead-clip rigs: Size 8 is designed to sit securely in Covert Lead Clips and support a proper lead-discharge setup.”
Worth knowing
Checked Sept '26 — “You need to pick the right size; Size 12 isn’t the direct substitute for the Size 8 lead-clip option.”
Tackle Index’s take from the product details and fishing fit we checked. We haven’t found enough independent public feedback to call this an angler consensus yet.
Angler score
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